Hatrack River Forum: ATMs accesible to the blind

This is topic ATMs accesible to the blind in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by Nethy (Member # 6462) on :

Finally!

quote:
Cardtronics, the largest owner of ATMs in the United States, with more than 23,000 ATMs nationwide and more than 25,000 ATMs globally, is equipping its machines with voice-guided technology as the result of a legal settlement between the company and the NFB. The federation claimed in a lawsuit that ATMs need to be convenient to use for blind people. Cardtronics owns 1,500 machines in the United Kingdom and 500 in Mexico.

It certainly took long enough.

Posted by Dead_Horse (Member # 3027) on :

I thought they were. Ours has been for a long time. Although they might have a little difficulty in the drive-up part.

Posted by Eaquae Legit (Member # 3063) on :

I've always wondered about that. There are braille labels on so many things, but they're not exactly standardised, and if you don't already know they're there, they're useless. I mean, it's great to find a random doorway, but a little undignified feeling all around the frame or door trying to make sure it's the ladies' room.

Posted by Nethy (Member # 6462) on :

Some have braille, but I haven't seen any with the voice-guided technology. Blind people can walk up to ATMs, though. [Smile]

Posted by rollainm (Member # 8318) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Nethy:
Blind people can walk up to ATMs, though.

Surely you jest.

Posted by Nethy (Member # 6462) on :

Nope. Not in the least. Are all ATMs drive through? And they certainly do use ATMs from back seats of cars. You don't have to be driving to use an ATM.

Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :

Every ATM I've seen has had Braille writing and a headphone jack. I assumed that was already a standard.

Posted by Nethy (Member # 6462) on :

According to NFB, and in my experience...

quote:
Large financial services institutions such as Bank of America have been installing ATMs with a voice guidance feature for many years, but ATMs installed in convenience stores, drugstores, airports, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other places have not kept pace with this trend.

NFB.org

So this is very major in that the ATMs most accessible location wise to the blind will also be usable.

Posted by brojack17 (Member # 9189) on :

Ours have always (as long as I remember) had braile and a port for headphones.

Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :

Our has voice-guided technology (no headphones required) it talks you through the steps. It has a British accent, which is SO cool!